Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in the Recovery Phase of Schizophrenia
H. C. Zhang
European Psychiatry June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.10914 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 80 |
| Population | Clinically stable outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia in the recovery phase |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Treatment-as-usual (TAU) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 12-month follow-up |
| Measures | PANSS, SANS, FFMQ, HADS, MoCA, SQLS |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Schizophrenia object-oriented programming Mood Randomized controlled trial Cognition Clinical psychology Adjunctive treatment Cognitive behavioral therapy Distress Relapse prevention Psychosis Intervention counseling Psychotherapist Adverse effect |
| Key findings | MBCT plus treatment-as-usual significantly reduced relapse rates (15% vs. 37.5%) and improved negative symptoms, emotional distress, mindfulness, attention, and quality of life compared to treatment-as-usual alone, with no adverse events. |
Abstract
Background: Individuals in the recovery phase of schizophrenia often face persistent challenges including residual symptoms, emotional dysregulation, cognitive deficits, and high relapse rates. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), effective in mood disorders, shows promise as an adjunctive intervention but requires rigorous evaluation in schizophrenia recovery.Background: Individuals in the recovery phase of schizophrenia often face persistent challenges including residual symptoms, emotional dysregulation, cognitive deficits, and high relapse rates. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), effective in mood disorders, shows promise as an adjunctive intervention but requires rigorous evaluation in schizophrenia recovery.
Objectives: This study examined the efficacy of MBCT in improving psychological functioning and reducing relapse risk among individuals with schizophrenia during the recovery phase.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 80 clinically stable outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Participants were assigned to either an 8-week MBCT program plus treatment-as-usual (TAU) (n=40) or TAU alone (n=40). Primary outcomes included relapse rates (measured over 12 months), symptom severity (PANSS, SANS), and mindfulness skills (FFMQ). Secondary outcomes encompassed depression/anxiety (HADS), cognitive functioning (MoCA), and quality of life (SQLS). Assessments occurred at baseline, post-intervention, and 6/12-month follow-ups.
Results: The MBCT group demonstrated significantly lower relapse rates (15% vs. 37.5%, p<0.01) and greater reductions in negative symptoms (SANS: p=0.003) and emotional distress (HADS-depression: p=0.008) compared to TAU at 12 months. Significant improvements in mindfulness skills (FFMQ-Observe, p<0.001; FFMQ-Nonreact, p=0.002), attention regulation (MoCA, p=0.015), and quality of life (SQLS, p=0.004) were also observed post-intervention and sustained at follow-up. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusions: MBCT is a feasible and effective adjunctive therapy for individuals recovering from schizophrenia, enhancing mindfulness, mitigating negative symptoms and emotional distress, improving cognitive function, and reducing relapse risk. Integration of MBCT into recovery-phase care may promote long-term stability and functional outcomes. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |